In the state of Alabama, eligible persons are able to acquire a parking permit that allows them to park in disability spaces within the state. This benefit enables persons with disabilities to easily access government buildings, doctors offices, dining establishments, shopping areas, and even their own homes. This is extremely beneficial to those who have cardiovascular conditions or are legally paralyzed or disabled and have conditions that affect their ability to walk. If you’re interested in receiving a disability parking permit from the state of Alabama, finding the fastest way to apply will enable you to acquire these benefits sooner.

Who Qualifies for Disability Parking Permits

Every state in the US has its own rules for who qualifies for disability parking, and the state of Alabama is no different. The requirements for an eligible person in the state of Alabama are pretty straightforward. If you meet any of the requirements below, you should look into applying for a disability parking permit in Alabama. Here are some of the eligible conditions:

  • If you require a mobile oxygen tank consistently throughout the day
    • You have paralysis or cannot use one or both legs for walking
      • You need an assistive device to help you walk. Devices that are eligible for consideration include crutches, wheelchairs, braces, prosthetic limbs, canes, walkers, etc.
      • You have a cardiovascular condition that is classified by the American Heart Association as Class III or IV.
      • You are unable to walk unassisted due to arthritis, a neurological condition, or an orthopedic condition
      • You can not walk at least 200 feet without having to stop or need an assistive device to achieve this distance.

If you meet these requirements, then there are quick and simple ways to apply for a disability parking permit.

The Important Step: Meeting with Your Doctor

If you are eligible for a disability parking permit in the state of Alabama, you will have to take the most important step to file your paperwork quickly. Every individual looking to apply for a disability parking permit must meet with their physician to receive the proper certificate stating their disability. This certification will be the document that states that you are legally qualified for this permit.

Once you’ve received this certificate from your doctor, the next step would be to apply for your permit at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. In the state of Alabama, the necessary document is the Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges (Form MVR 32-6-230). This document can be obtained from the DMV website or can be found at your local DMV office.

Ways to File

Once you’ve received your certification from your doctor, the next step is to fill out the paperwork in full. Once the paperwork has been thoroughly completed, it is important for the person filing to deliver the documents to the proper place. The fastest way to apply for your disability parking permit in the state of Alabama is to do it in person at your local DMV. There is no fee for the paperwork, and you can file it the same day as you receive your certificate if time permits. This means that you can apply for your disability parking permit quickly.

If you would prefer to file for your permit through traditional mail, you can send your permit application to your local DMV. This will take a little longer as you will have to wait for the paperwork to be received at the DMV before it is filed, which can take up to seven days. The fastest way to apply for your permit will be in person, but if you are unable, Alabama allows you to mail it in if it is more convenient.

Put It in the Right Place

To avoid receiving a parking ticket, it is important that you place your disability parking permit placard in the right place. The best place to put your permit would be hanging from your rearview mirror. This is the ideal location, but you may also place the permit on your dashboard where it will be visible from your windshield.

The Process for Permit Renewal

The disability parking permits issued in the state of Alabama are valid for two different amounts of time. The temporary disability parking permit is only valid for 6 months, but the permanent parking permit is eligible for a validity of 5 years. Despite which type of permit you’ve been issued, you will have to renew before your permit expires to avoid losing your benefits. To apply for a renewal, you will have to visit with your physician to receive a new certificate that states that you still legally qualify for disability parking.

Replacing a Lost Permit

If you’ve lost your disability parking permit, you will need to submit an application for a replacement. There is no fee associated with this document and you won’t have to go through the process of reapplying for the permit, but you will have to wait for a period between two and four weeks to receive the replacement. During the waiting period for your replacement placard you will be unable to use the benefits associated with the parking permit. If you’ve realized that you’ve lost your parking placard it is best to fill out the appropriate paperwork as soon as possibe.

How to Report Disability Parking Abuse

If you find yourself in a situation where someone has taken a disability parking space and they do not have a disability parking permit, then you are able to report this abuse to your local Department of Public Safety. If you wish to file a report of disability parking abuse, make sure to make note of the vehicle’s license plate, the day, time, and other details associated with the infraction, and file your report in a timely manner.

In Conclusion

If you’re eligible for a disability parking permit in the state of Alabama, the fastest way to acquire your permit is to set an appointment with your doctor to receive the proper certification and then apply for the permit in person at your local DMV. This will allow you to receive the appropriate benefits as soon as possible. Make sure to properly use your parking permit to avoid parking tickets, and always remember when your due for a renewal so as to avoid losing your benefits.